if i double click a FMP data file and switch to another process, FMP will launch then the dock icon will bounce forever with a dialog the FMP needs my attention... all i have to do is click the dock icon for it to stop. However, what is the reason it needed my attention... i opened a DB by opening it from the finder - it shouldnt need my attention - it should load in the BG.

This is especially annoying if i have a DB as part of my login items in OS X - can't FMP get by without handholding?

This happens to me at least 2 or 3 times weekly. In 100% of the cases, so far, FMP has actually needed my attention. It only seems to happen when there are other windows (from other programs) open and each time after I move or close those other windows, FMP has a dialog box waiting like a good puppy for my further action. I have seen this on a couple other OSX apps where they didn't push their dialog box to the front but did make the icon bounce to get one's attention. Is this not the case for you?